And Light Goes On by Cheryl E. Woodson, MD

The doctor’s pristine white coat almost gleamed as he sailed out of the elevator onto the oncology floor. He had full confidence in the data he had submitted for publication; his smile was sure and serene as heiHis strode in to see another one of his cancer patients.

“This is the most advanced treatment plan available anywhere in the country,” the doctor said, in a tone meant to inspire confidence. “We’ll start the chemotherapy infusions this afternoon, and follow with daily radiation treatments in about two weeks.”

The patient smiled at his wife, and when she gave an almost imperceptible nod, the patient said, “We’ll pass, doc.”

The doctor blinked, and hesitated another second, before pulling out a more soothing, authoritative voice. He never doubted that he could reassure and convince his patient.

“You don’t understand. There is no other option, but the data are very promising. This protocol will give you more time, perhaps as much as several months.”

“But will it be good time?” Mrs. Smith asked, her voice breaking as she lost control of a tear. The doctor thought her tone might flay him to the bone, until he saw Mr. Smith lay his hand over hers on a tattered Bible.

Several weeks later, the doctor tore open the package of advance copies of his article in The New England Journal of Medicine. He had already taken several congratulatory calls from his colleagues, including one from his chairman who hinted at tenure. As he pumped his fist into the air, the doctor saw another package tumble from the pile of mail.

The return address said, “Anna Smith,” and the note read, “Dear Dr. Edison. I wanted to thank you for everything you did for us, and to let you know how well Smitty did. A few days after our son filmed this video, Smitty kissed me goodnight, and woke up in heaven.”

The DVD showed Mr. Smith, looking quite dapper in his tuxedo. He had a full head of wavy, white hair, and he laughed as he waltzed with the beaming bride. Dr. Edison stared at the proud father, and thought about his other patients, shedding hair by the handful, puking out their last weeks in the hospital. Finally, the doctor understood some things he’d never considered; perhaps, he’d never dared to consider. There are things worse than dying.

Cheryl Woodson describes herself as a “recovering physician.” In Cheryl’s new novel, “What the Mirror Sees”, a Chicago businesswoman reclaims love with a younger man despite a ten-year separation and threats to her company that might get both of them killed. “What the Mirror Sees” will be released in late October under her pseudonym, Teria Robens, but Cheryl also publishes non-fiction under her birth name through RyNorn Publications. “To Survive Caregiving, A Daughter’s Experience, A Doctor’s Advice” is a fully revised and updated version of the practical eldercare resource that AARP and the Alzheimer’s Association recommended in 2007. The publication date is November 2015 along with a companion book, “The Doctor is IN: Answering your Questions About How to Survive Caregiving”. Her third non-fiction title, “Dear Lauren, Love Mom: 31 days of Affirmations for My Daughter, For Myself, and For YOU”, will be released in time for Christmas.

By submitting a comment you grant Chicago Writers Association a perpetual license to reproduce your words and name/web site in attribution. Inappropriate and irrelevant comments will be removed at an admin’s discretion. Your email is used for verification purposes only, it will never be shared.

"CWA connected me immediately with like minds, the brethren of writers I was looking for. It's an incredibly welcoming group that made a huge difference in my getting continually published. I would recommend the association to any level of writer, poet, journalist, or memoirist."
- David W. Berner, author and journalist